RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 2043 of 2368

Which change occurs in a newborn's circulation soon after the umbilical cord is clamped and cut?

  1. Systemic vascular resistance increases and the foramen ovale begins to close.
  2. The ductus arteriosus closes permanently within minutes.
  3. The ductus venosus opens to carry more blood to the liver.
  4. Pulmonary artery pressure rises to push blood away from the lungs.
Show answer

Correct answer: Systemic vascular resistance increases and the foramen ovale begins to close.

Cutting the cord raises systemic vascular resistance, and the foramen ovale starts closing within minutes. The other shunts close more slowly.

Source: Nursing Health Promotion (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2025), Healthy Newborn Care: Transition After Birth to Neonatal Circulation. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026